AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos HC Vic Fangio believes his offense and defense in Denver are overall in a better place than the Bears were when he arrived.  

“I think so at certain places,” Fangio said via Troy Renck. “I think offensively, we have a chance to be better than people think we do. I think the players are better on offense than the perception was when I first got there.”

• The Broncos will host Oregon LB Justin Hollins for a pre-draft visit.  (Mike Klis)

Chargers

• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn is confident TE Hunter Henry will be ready for the start of the 2019 season: “I liked what I saw from him at the end of the season…Enough for him to play. I have no doubt he’ll be ready on Day 1.”  (M.J. Acosta)
• Lynn said OL Forrest Lamp will compete for a starting spot at guard, but will also work as the backup tackle.  (Eric Williams)
• At the moment, Lynn mentioned Rayshawn Jenkins and Jaylen Watkins as the two contenders for the starting free safety position but didn’t rule out adding further competition at the spot.  (Williams)
• Lynn also didn’t rule out a potential return for TE Antonio Gates next season: “We have to look and see where we are at free-agent wise and money-wise, and just see how some of these things work out. We explained that to him, so we’re in wait-and-see mode right now.”  (Williams)

Chiefs

Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters on Tuesday he has not been in touch with WR Tyreek Hill.  

“We’re just letting it take its course,” Reid said via Terez Paylor. “Did I expect it to happen? I don’t know what happened. That’s what they’re trying to figure out.”

• Reid was asked if he felt GM Brett Veach would make another big move before the draft: “You know Brett. He keeps his eyes open on everything & he’s very aggressive. I wouldn’t doubt it. I don’t know who it is, but I wouldn’t put it past him.” (Nate Taylor)

Raiders

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are considering playing a preseason game in Canada, potentially Saskatchewan.  
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden said he was also pounding the table for LB Vontaze Burfict alongside DC Paul Guenther: “We were banging it together. When he’s right, he is a good player. And he has proven he can make plays for Paul Guenther.” (Paul Gutierrez)
• Gruden added the team won’t decide side of the line OT Trent Brown or G Gabe Jackson will play until after the draft: “(Brown) can (play) right tackle; he can (play) left tackle. …We’re not going to make any final decisions here today.”  (Michael Gehlken)
• However, Vic Tafur maintains Brown will play right tackle.  
• Gruden said the door is always open for RB Marshawn Lynch: “Obviously we have a need at halfback, feature back. We’re going to keep the door open. … The door is always open for Marshawn. Trust me.”  (Gehlken)
• Raiders DE Arden Key will be counted on to step up in 2019, per Gruden: “Arden Key needs to get better. He needs to get stronger and play better. We’ll start with that.”  (Vic Tafur)
• The Raiders will also continue to look for pass rushing help to replace DE Khalil Mack according to Gruden: “These defensive ends don’t grow on trees. I know I’ve been criticized for trading one of the best. We are going to look hard at that position.”  (Dan Graziano)
• Gruden said the Raiders are “still looking” for help at cornerback, adding he wants five on the roster.  (Gehlken)
• Raiders CB Gareon Conley will be “full throttle” to start the offseason program according to Gruden.  (Scott Bair)
• Gruden called it “sickening” to have lost TE Jared Cook, adding the Raiders will give TE Darren Waller “the chance of a lifetime.”  (Gehlken)
• Gruden was in the backseat of a car while his wife was driving when he got permission to talk to WR Antonio Brown: “The guy’s enthusiasm to play is unlike most guys I’ve met. When I first sat down with him, I didn’t want to leave.”  (Gehlken)
• Gruden says he, “cried for 3 days after trading Mack. But we’re not able to get Antonio Brown, Trent Brown and Lamarcus Joyner without making that trade.”  (Tafur)
• The Raiders are open for business with the No. 4 pick, per Gruden: “We’re wide open to moving up. We’re wide open to moving down. We’re wide open to taking the guy that falls to us.”  (Gutierrez)
• Gruden added that they’re are looking for a three-down back who’s versatile, adding young running backs who can pass protect are “hard to find.” (Gehlken)